Emma Elekwa
Commercial city of Onitsha, Anambra state on Monday recorded relative improvement in commercial and social activities, especially when compared to that of last Monday February 2, 2026.
Despite formal and permanent suspension of the sit-at-home order by Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) as well as threats from government to seal shops that did not open, some shops in the main market where under lock, while traders who braved to open decried abysmal sales.
There were skeletal human and vehicular movements especially in morning hours as major roads linking other states to Onitsha remained dry.
A visit to the main market showed that while some sections of the market recorded moderate trading, several adjourning lines remained scanty and others completely deserted, reflecting continued apprehension among traders and customers.
Other surrounding markets, including Sokoto Road Market, Biafra Market, Marine Market, Ose Okwodu Market, Bida Raod and others opened for business but also lacked customers’ patronage.
However, security operatives were visibly deployed at strategic points within and around the market to maintain law and order and reassurance to residents.
Traders who spoke with The Nation said they were still grappling with fear of insecurity.
One of them, Herbert Chukwuma attributed the low turnout to uncertainty, saying many traders and buyers were still afraid of possible disruptions.
Earlier relunctance
Another trader, Chinemerem Izuchukwu said he was reluctant in opening his shop due to absence of customers, explaining that most of those present in the market were traders rather than buyers.
According to Abuchi Ichie, “I didn’t go to market because we are still afraid. You know there was rumour between Wednesday and Friday that hoodlums are threatening to attack some market.”
A commercial driver at Upper Iweka, Donatus Ifeanyi, commended effort of government and other stakeholders towards ending the sit-at-home.
He however noted that full commercial activities would take time to pick up only if the people’s confidence were guaranteed.
At the Onitsha High Court, activities were largely paralysed, with only a few individuals seen within the premises even though the gates were open.
Similarly, banks in the area did not open for business, as customers were turned away at entry-points.
Government-owned schools however, resumed academic activities, with students’ turnout fairly encouraging compared to previous week.
